Qing Empire and the Opium War: The Collapse of the Heavenly Dynasty

Mao Haijian's book offers a revisionist interpretation of the Opium War, demonstrating that the Qing Empire's actions were reasonable within their own context. This English-language translation provides a comprehensive response to why the Qing Empire was defeated by the British.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 569 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Opium War of 1839-1842, the first military conflict between China and the West, holds a timeless fascination. Mao Haijian, a renowned historian in China, has dedicated over a decade to crafting a revisionist interpretation of this pivotal conflict and its central Chinese figures. Through his lens, Mao delves into the Qing participants, examining their moral standards and intellectual norms of their era. He reveals that actions that may seem absurd to modern observers can be understood within the context of their time. This English-language translation of Mao's work provides a comprehensive response to the question of why the Qing Empire suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the British in the first Opium War. It offers a distinctive and original perspective, rooted in both Chinese and Western historiography, and supported by a wealth of previously unknown details.

The Opium War of 1839-1842 marked a significant turning point in the history of China and the West. It was the first military conflict between the two powers and resulted in a series of events that would have far-reaching consequences for both nations. The war began when British merchants began smuggling opium into China, which was then a closed country and heavily reliant on imports. The Chinese government responded by imposing heavy taxes on opium, but the British refused to comply, leading to clashes between British and Chinese troops in the coastal regions.

The war was fought primarily in the coastal regions of China, where the British had a significant advantage in terms of technology and military strength. The Chinese army was largely composed of peasant soldiers who were ill-equipped and poorly trained, while the British had a well-organized and well-equipped military force. The British also used their superior naval power to blockade Chinese ports, cutting off vital supplies and forcing the Chinese government to negotiate.

The war was long and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Chinese government was eventually forced to sign the Treaty of Nanking, which ceded Hong Kong and other coastal territories to the British. The treaty also imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, further damaging the Chinese economy.

The Opium War had a profound impact on Chinese society and culture. It led to the erosion of Chinese sovereignty and the expansion of British influence in China. It also sparked a wave of anti-British sentiment in China, which would eventually lead to the Chinese Revolution of 1911.

The war also had significant consequences for the West. It led to the establishment of the British Empire in Asia and the beginning of the long-term exploitation of Chinese resources and labor. It also contributed to the spread of opium addiction in Western countries, which would have far-reaching social and economic consequences.

In conclusion, the Opium War of 1839-1842 was a significant military conflict that had far-reaching consequences for China and the West. It marked the beginning of a long period of British influence in China and the spread of opium addiction in Western countries. The war also had profound impacts on Chinese society and culture, leading to the Chinese Revolution of 1911 and the erosion of Chinese sovereignty.

Weight: 820g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108455411